Veteran artist Alicia Keys just released her sixth album “Here” on November 4. This album is just another step she has taken to show the world her “real self.” Along with her spoken word poetry performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and her new minimal makeup look, this album is about expression in the most controversial way.
Released 4 days before the election, Keys aimed to make a statement, and she succeeded. The R&B album tackles societal issues such as unfair beauty standards, institutional racism, and the environment. Hits from the soulful album include “The Gospel,” a song about urban life that Keys conveys through a sing-rap with an intense drumbeat. In the song “Girl Can’t Be Tamed,” she expresses her concern on the beauty standards plaguing our society.
Overall, the album displays Keys’ classic R&B style, with a grittier, more edgy vibe. Her socially conscious lyrics offer hope in this raw album.
